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Own an original work of art… on a skateboard

Local artists come together for Pemberton Skatepark fundraiser

For artists who are used to working on traditional canvas, the prospect of creating art on a skateboard deck can be somewhat daunting.

But not so for Lauren Ritz, who is used to designing custom art for hats, helmets and more. She’s no stranger to traditional canvas, though, and said painting a skateboard — or anything, really — doesn’t differ from a basic form.

Ritz is one of about 18 local and regional artists who have translated their talents onto skateboards for Saturday’s (July 31) art show fundraiser for the Pemberton Skatepark. The fun gets underway at 7 p.m. at the Mount Currie Coffee Co. in Pemberton.

People who come out will get to see about 25 skateboard decks on display — all featuring original art. Over the next two months or so, the boards will be sold by silent auction at the coffee house.

Ritz said the designs are all different and artists used a variety of techniques. Graffiti, spray art, street art, art deco and even a deck wrapped with vinyl prints of a photographer’s images are included. There’s also a range of skateboard shapes from classic and longboard to old school and hammerhead.

“They’re all unique, they’re all different and they’re all in this auction,” she said.

Ritz helped organize the call for artists to donate their work to help support the longstanding efforts to see a skatepark developed in Pemberton. She said so many artists were gracious enough to accept the challenge, even though some had never created work on such a non-traditional surface.

“We have such an artistic community here, and a strong network among artists,” she said.

Some artists questioned whether the skateboards would be displayed on the purchaser’s wall, or end up tattered and worn as a functioning board.

Ritz said her years of experience working at Evolution in Whistler have shown some people buy snowboards or skate decks purely for the art. She figures people who purchase boards through the auction will be looking to support the skatepark efforts and likely won’t end up riding them.

Saturday’s event will likely bring people together who are trying to support a cause, she said.

Participating artists include Lisa Komuro, Dave “Pepe” Petko, Vanessa Stark, Sean Coggins and many others. Chris Addario, one of the event organizers and project manager for the pre-construction phase of the skatepark, said he’s “excited” about how many artists came forward to donate their work for the fundraiser.

“Some of them have been so into it they’ve done two (decks),” he said.

Saturday’s event is designed to be a casual, fun gathering for the whole community, Addario said. In addition to checking out the original skateboard art, attendees will enjoy snacks, martinis with locally produced Schramm Vodka, beer and DJ music.

Addario said all proceeds go to the Pemberton Skatepark and the goal of the event is to raise as much money as possible. About $30,000 is still needed to complete the project, he added.

Help make the Pemberton Skatepark a reality at the art show fundraiser on Saturday (July 31) at Mount Currie Coffee Co. starting at 7 p.m. Tickets are $10 and can be purchased at the coffee shop, Home Hardware or the Pemberton Library. Martinis will be selling for $5.

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